After weeks and weeks of speculation, the first league work stoppage since 1987 has begun.

The NFL lockout is here.

This decision follows Friday’s actions by the NFLPA, which decertified after the league and union failed to reach some sort of common ground over a collective bargaining agreement.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell issued a letter to the fans on Friday night after talks broke down in Washington.

His comments provided a glimpse of the deal put forth by the owners:

The proposal we made included an offer to narrow the player compensation gap that existed in the negotiations by splitting the difference; guarantee a reallocation of savings from first-round rookies to veterans and retirees without negatively affecting compensation for rounds 2-7; no compensation reduction for veterans; implement new year-round health and safety rules; retain the current 16-4 season format for at least two years with any subsequent changes subject to the approval of the league and union; and establish a new legacy fund for retired players ($82 million contributed by the owners over the next two years).

Goodell’s letter will not exactly ease tension around the country.

Everyone loses in this scenario. Fans, players, coaches, secretaries, and bar owners represent a sample of people who will be punished as the legal process drags along.

As of March 12, all NFL teams cease league business (except for April’s draft).

Hard to believe.